ChinaPathbook

Practical guide

Using Alipay as a visitor

A source-led mobile-payment setup checklist.

The State Council says visitors can register Alipay with a foreign or Chinese mobile number and follow in-app card-binding prompts. Card scope, limits and charges vary by payment product; rely on current in-app prompts and service agreements.

A clear next step

  1. Download Alipay and register with your mobile number.
  2. Follow the bank-card binding prompts and verify if asked.
  3. Pay by scanning the merchant QR or showing your in-app payment QR.
  4. Keep RMB cash as a fallback.

Source checked 2026-08-25Official source

Question

Will every overseas card work?

Do not assume so. Card-brand scope, limits and charges vary by product; check the current in-app prompts and agreements.